I ran into Nerius’ big open wings. They enveloped me in a tight hug. “What are you doing here?” I asked. “Yurhy srei meings.” “Vacation huh? Are you sure you’re not here because you knew we’d be here?” He paused. “Nresh.”“Liar.” I shook my head. “What is he doing here?” Cedric questioned.“None of your business. Don’t be a jerk.” I stated.“Yeah, you wouldn’t want him to toss you again.” Penn snorted. “Shut it pretty boy!” Cedric stomped over to his mother. “Nerius, you remember Penn.” I smiled.“Shrup boit nurevsh marship?”“Nerius!”“What did he say?”“He asked me if you still cry after intercourse.” I chuckled. “Gue

Cedric was having a hard time leaving the Hartmeda Woodlands. He had been searching for something his whole life and he had found it and now he had to leave it again so soon. Hopefully he could come back and spend more time with Nova and really get to know her. “It was an honor and a privilege to meet you, Empress Zelda. Please come back any time and visit us.” Nova stated. “She will,” Cedric assured her. “She’ll be back as my wife. Who knows, maybe we’ll make a baby here.”“Everytime I stop being disgusted with you, you give me a reason to be again. Congratulations, it’s really a talent.” I declared. “You’re so in love with me,” He grinned. “Anyways, Nova, you are welcome to Gynem any time, really.” I hugged her.“I know my son is a nuisance sometimes, but I would love to have you as a daughter-in-law.&r

The lava immediately stopped flowing as golden light shot out the Shadow Precipice. A stunning woman walked out of the light even though there was no ground to stand on.  She was stunning! Her long golden hair flowed behind her as the gold light danced off of her dazzling brown skin. Her white eyes were terrifying and yet so warm.  She stood between Cedric and I as though trying to decide who the winner was. She turned to Cedric and my heart dropped. I really had lost.  But I gave my best effort and everything that I had. I did my best, even if it wasn’t good enough.  “You gave a great effort,” She said to Cedric.  Suddenly it was just the woman and me. Cedric had disappeared. “Empress Zelda…you are the winner of The Four Trials of the Forsaken Apex.” Wait, I recognized that voice. “Moxdea?” I asked.  “Yes, Empress, it is I. In my true form. You have released me from my duty by completing t

I stepped towards Cedric in horror. “You killed your father?” I asked shakily. “We both know he deserved it.” “What are you doing here?”  “Oh, was I not invited? I’m sorry, I figured maybe my invitation got lost in the crystal mirror.” He feigned innocence. “Cedric, why are you here?” I cried. “You look so pretty in your wedding dress…and I’d make the perfect groom. Everyone’s already here Zel, let’s just do it.” “No, no! We had a deal, Cedric, you swore. Don’t do this!” “Ah the deal…yeah I thought about that, constantly over the last month. I don’t like it. I didn’t go through all of that shit to end up without you. So…the deal is off.” Cedric was many things, but he wasn’t usually a liar. The only thing he had ever really lied to me about was killing Astris and it only took him a few moments to reveal that lie. He didn’t believe in lying, he thought it was  a waste of time. He was fine with being rut

My body felt a shock at once. Electricity flowed quickly and then expelled itself out of my body. Was I going to die again? I wondered as I fell to my knees. I breathed heavily as the last of the lightning left. I paused to make sure I wasn’t going to die again. “Zelda!” I looked up and saw Penn running over to me.  “Penn!”  He scooped me up in his arms and held me tightly. “I thought I lost you!” “How relieved were you?” I joked.  He set me down and kissed me. “Very relieved. But now you’re back and I’m miserable again.” I kissed him again. “Are you lying to an Empress? That’s a crime.” “And what would be my punishment?” Penn smiled down at me.  “You have to marry me…for real this time.” “You sure I can’t just take death?” I laughed as Zeke ran over to us and embraced me. “Tell me that’s the last time you almost die!” “No promises. I think it’s over now, though.” I smiled.&nb